The Rhinos rode a pair of first-half goals late on Wednesday night to their most impressive win of the season, as they beat the second-place L.A. Galaxy II, 2-1, at StubHub Center in Los Angeles.

The victory for Rochester (5-3-5) moved it into a tie for fourth place in USL PRO with Sacramento Republic. It was the Rhinos' first win over a team with a winning record. They play next at 10 p.m. on Saturday at Arizona United (3-5-2).

Goals by Johnny Mendoza, his first in league play, and Alex Dixon, his third, gave Rochester the early lead. Mendoza scored in the ninth minute from close range after a mistake by the L.A. defense. Dixon, who assisted on Mendoza's goal, connected after being set up by midfielder JC Banks.

The Rhinos were coming off Saturday's disappointing 3-2 loss at home against previously winless Pittsburgh, but they held the USL's most potent attack in check until the 75th minute. That's when Rafael Garcia booted a 19-yard free kick for L.A. (8-3-3) over a Rhinos' wall and in the top left corner before rookie goalie John McCarthy could get there.

McCarthy, who suffered his first loss as a pro Saturday, improved to 4-1-3. Defender Pat McMahon made a good reaction in the 66th minute, heading clear a shot that would have gone in.